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Public Service Company of Colorado Seeks to Remove Permitting Option from Interconnection Queue

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Public Service Company of Colorado, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking to remove the permitting option from its large generator interconnection queue (LGIP). The company argues that the permitting option is no longer necessary and that its removal would streamline the interconnection process. The move is part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency of the interconnection process and reduce costs for customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) seeks to remove the permitting option from its large generator interconnection queue (LGIP) due to changes ordered by FERC in its May 15, 2025 Compliance Order.
  • The permitting option was previously allowed as a non-financial method for interconnection customers to move through the LGIP, but PSCo argues that its removal is consistent with FERC's compliance requirements.
  • The Solar Energy Industries Association and the Colorado Solar and Storage Association (SEIA/COSSA) filed an answer to PSCo's original filing, arguing that the permitting option should not be removed and that FERC should reject PSCo's proposal.
  • PSCo responding by stating that its proposal is consistent with FERC's compliance requirements and that the removal of the permitting option would allow for a more integrated and coherent package of options for interconnection customers.
  • FERC should review PSCo's proposal as if it were a new filing made under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act, as PSCo claims that the procedural requirements of Section 205 have been satisfied.

Statistics:

  • FERC has accepted changes to compliance filings as if they were new filings made under Section 205 in at least one previous proceeding (Southwest Power Pool, Inc., 108 FERC P 61,003).
  • Interested parties have had the opportunity to comment on PSCo's proposal as if it were a separate Section 205 filing.
  • PSCo has holistically reviewed its options for interconnection customers and determined that the removal of the permitting option is necessary due to changes ordered by FERC in its Compliance Order.

Sources:

  • Public Service Company of Colorado, "Motion for Leave to Answer and Answer of the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Colorado Solar and Storage Association," Docket No. ER24-2030-001 (filed Aug. 28, 2025)
  • ISO New England Inc., 155 FERC P 61,319 (2016)
  • PJM Interconnection, LLC, 168 FERC P 61,134 (2019)
  • Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., 112 FERC P 61,169 (2005)
  • 18 C.F.R. § 385.212 and 213 (2025)
  • 16 U.S.C. § 824d (2025)

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